Customs compliance and declarations consultancy

Regular importers and exporters, manufacturers and distributors that ship often but do not want a full-time customs employee.

Monthly retainers, a fee per declaration, and fixed-price audits or training sessions for client staff.

• Solid experience in customs entry processing or freight forwarding
• Knowledge of customs software and tariff tools
• Process and record keeping
• Managing several clients and deadlines

• Professional indemnity insurance with cover suited to customs work, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Representing clients in declarations can carry responsibility for errors, so agree clear terms and keep good records
• Customs software and data security, including keeping client information safe under data protection rules
• Registration with the Information Commissioner's Office may be needed, so check
• Rules change with trade agreements, so allow time for ongoing training

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your customs software, insurance, premises and tools. Costs will vary with how many clients you plan to take on from the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on how many regular importers and exporters you serve and what you charge. The estimated minimum time commitment is around 30 hours a week.

Check professional indemnity insurance suited to customs work, and employer's liability insurance if you hire. Agree clear terms and keep good records, check data protection and whether Information Commissioner's Office registration is needed, and allow time for ongoing training.